By John Q. Hosedrinker 
As the Senate Democratic caucus deliberated on its approach to the government shutdown, progressives delivered a firm warning to centrists: any concessions would be politically damaging. Senator Bernie Sanders, among others, has emphasized the necessity of extending Affordable Care Act subsidies as a condition for any agreement, particularly given the potential for soaring healthcare costs. Republicans, however, have resisted negotiating on ACA subsidies while the shutdown continues, with some suggesting ending the filibuster to bypass Democratic support. Progressive groups have also cited recent election results and polling data to underscore voters’ preference for leaders who prioritize affordable healthcare, solidifying the progressive stance.
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Progressives, and many Democrats, are vehemently warning their party: “You Cave, You Lose,” should they yield to the GOP’s demands during the ongoing government shutdown. The central sentiment is clear: capitulation now would be a monumental misstep, squandering the political leverage currently held by the Democrats. It’s a lose-lose situation if they cave without any concessions, effectively abandoning the fight for critical issues like healthcare, which is a major factor in the shutdown.
The prevailing view is that Democrats possess significant advantages. They have the public’s backing, as Americans generally side with Democrats on the fight for healthcare and place the blame on Republicans for rising costs. Giving in now would negate any perceived benefits, leaving the Democrats vulnerable to criticism and appearing to have inflicted pain on the public without achieving any concrete gains. Instead, the focus should be on making Republicans pay a political price for the shutdown, forcing them to the negotiating table.
This strategic perspective involves several key demands. Democrats should push for a temporary extension of funding, particularly for essential programs such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) credits, until the GOP presents a viable healthcare replacement plan. This is seen as essential to prevent healthcare costs from skyrocketing overnight for millions. Some feel that the best move would be to force Republicans to kill the filibuster, thus owning the consequences of any cuts to the ACA. This would be a clear demonstration of Republican responsibility and provide a strong basis for future legislative action.
There’s a strong belief that the GOP is already feeling the political heat from the shutdown. The Democrats must ensure they’re not the ones who buckle, as caving now would be seen as a failure. Democrats should keep the pressure up, emphasizing that Republicans can end the shutdown anytime. It is viewed as a win-win scenario for Democrats: either Republicans will compromise, or they will end the filibuster, thereby hurting Americans and helping Democrats with future legislative action.
The urgency of the situation is heightened by the potential impact on everyday Americans. The shutdown directly affects real people, causing suffering. Therefore, any concessions without tangible gains will be viewed as a betrayal, a situation that many Democrats, even centrists, will not tolerate. They emphasize the need to extract a meaningful victory, ensuring that the Republicans bear the brunt of the political consequences.
The call to action is clear and consistent. Constituents are being urged to contact their Democratic representatives and demand that they remain resolute. The message is to not cave, as healthcare is directly at stake. There is a sense of betrayal if they give in, with a potential impact of an uprising against those that give in.
The sentiment extends beyond progressive circles. Many traditional Democrats, including those who supported Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, are voicing their disapproval of any potential capitulation. This widespread discontent highlights the broad-based support for a firm stance against the GOP. It’s a sentiment shared by even those who are not typically aligned with the far left.
The urgency stems from the belief that if Democrats cave, they will be perceived as having lost. The situation is viewed as an opportunity to pressure the GOP and, potentially, expose their weaknesses. This strategy is also seen as a way to unite the party, revitalize progressive activism, and generate momentum for future political battles.
The strategy also suggests keeping the pressure on the Republicans. The Democrats should call out the Republicans on news outlets to keep the narrative going. If Republicans aren’t showing up, the Democratic party should call them out on the news. They want to ensure that Democrats are continually positioned as the party that wants to negotiate an end to this.
In essence, the prevailing attitude is a warning. Any compromise without tangible results will be a strategic blunder, and it will be unacceptable. It is a clear message of “no retreat, no surrender,” with the stakes as the healthcare of all the American people.